Rave on in peace brother

A motorcyclist who died following a smash in Reading town centre is “raving in peace”, his family have said.

The brother and sister of tragic Robert Richards, known as Bobby, paid tribute to their “boisterous” brother, who died on Thursday, August 21, following a crash at the junction of Great Knollys Street and the IDR on Wednesday, August 13.

The 21-year-old worked at the Motest garage in Weldale Street, close to the scene of the crash. He was laid to rest at Easthampstead Cemetery in Nine Mile Ride on Tuesday this week.

Bobby’s brother Paul Richards, 22, spoke about the mechanic.

“He was very boisterous,” he said. “He would come in from work and lay on the music. He would make a cup of tea, go to his room for an hour and lay on the music.

“Then he would come downstairs and have a go at us.

“He was great fun.”

Bobby was a big music fan. The Streets’ Dry Your Eyes was played at his funeral, as was I’m Forever Blowing Bubbles – West Ham’s team song.

But his big love was raves. Recently he attended Sanctuary in Wiltshire, a popular rave. Now Bobby’s family are wearing red T-shirts with his picture on the front and Rave in Peace Bobby Richards on the back.

In the Richards’ front garden a motorcycle Bobby was doing up is displayed with lots of balloons attached.

One of the balloons is shaped like a clown fish, a reference to how much Bobby loved fishing.

There are also numerous bouquets of flowers in the garden.

Paul said: “My head can accept what’s happened but I do not think my heart will.”

Bobby’s other siblings were Alan, 31, Laura, 29, and Vikki, 20.

Mum-of-three Laura Haynes said she missed her brother so much.

She said: “He was lovely and so caring. He loved music, fishing and bikes.

“His favourite type of music was drum and bass. He was a very talented mechanic.”

She explained how he arranged a cut-price MOT for his dad and was always happy to help people.